Scottish care workers on sleepover shifts to receive real living wage

Care workers who cover sleepover shifts are to be paid the real living wage.

Health Secretary Shona Robison said carers employed overnight to provide support will now receive the real living wage of £8.45.

Care workers have been paid the real living wage for non-sleepover hours since October last year.

The Scottish Government said health and social care partnerships would work with care providers to deliver the commitment during 2018/19.

Ms Robison (pictured) said: "This will make a real difference to those whose hard work enables thousands of people across Scotland to live with dignity.

"The change will take place during 2018/19. This will provide time for it to be implemented in a way which will ensure continuity of care to individuals.

"The Scottish Government has worked closely with health and social care partnerships, care providers, trade unions, individuals using services and other stakeholders, and will continue this engagement as partners begin to redesign sleepover provision."